I’m always happy to answer questions that my patients and others have about plastic surgery and its benefits, but especially this time of year. At the start of every new year, many people renew their interest and curiosity in plastic surgery as a way of creating a fresh new start. I always say that there is no such thing as a bad time for plastic surgery (as long as you are a candidate), but these winter months can often be advantageous for patients, which is why I wanted to take some time to answer a few plastic surgery questions that I’ve received from my patients.
Question #1: How Long After Weight Loss Surgery Procedure Should I Wait Before Undergoing Post-Weight Loss Surgery?
Although this can vary depending on the specifics of each case, the body must have the necessary time it needs to fully heal from weight loss surgery before undergoing any post-weight loss procedure. In most cases, I would recommend waiting roughly 18 months after weight loss surgery before considering an additional body contouring procedure, but we can discuss a safe, appropriate timeframe during your consultation.
Question #2: Will Breast Implant Removal Reduce My Natural Breast Size?
I perform breast implant removal for women who have previously undergone breast augmentation surgery with implants. While some women opt for new implants (breast revision), others prefer to return to their original breast size with no implants at all. While some modest amount of breast tissue may be lost in the process, this will not be significant. However, many women may experience a loosening of skin in the breast area due to their implants over the years that undergoing a breast lift procedure can help. Breast lift will put the breast back in a more natural position and provide the patient with a shaplier breast.
Question #3: Is 30 Too Young for a Mini Facelift?
Not always, as this depends on the specific details of the individual case. I perform mini facelift procedures (sometimes known as a rapid recovery lift) to help patients who require less extensive rejuvenation to lower portions of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Facial aging can come sooner for some people than others, and I see no reason why 30 would be too young, assuming the patient was healthy enough to safely undergo the surgery and is truly a good candidate.
Question #4: Should I Try to Gain Weight Before Undergoing Fat Transfer Injections?
This really shouldn’t be necessary and I would strongly dissuade anyone from even considering this. The fat that is removed and used during fat transfer injections can be taken from areas all over the body, and it’s very unlikely that you would need to accumulate any additional fat to undergo the procedure. But this can be evaluated during consultation.
If you are considering plastic surgery and have similar questions of your own, don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and so much more.
